The 12 best Christmas markets in the UK for magical festive shopping

Glasgow’s Christmas markets are split across two main locations: St Enoch’s Square and George Square. The first is smaller, with fair ground rides including a kids’ carousel and a Grinch train, and food options like mac and cheese, churros and waffles. Five minutes away, in George Square, the festivities really crank up a notch: the attractions are bigger (there’s a big wheel as well as an 80m drop tower), the food options are more varied, and there’s even an ice rink. Both venues also have stalls selling artisan gifts, décor and more, but if you’ve got someone who’s a little pickier on your Christmas shopping list, I’d recommended nipping into the upmarket Princes Square Shopping Centre – it’s right around the corner from both sites, and the central atrium always has a gorgeous tree. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might catch a choir singing carols to raise money for charity while you’re there. ‘Tis the season for giving, after all.

When: Winterfest at George Square is from November 23-January 5; St Enoch Square is from November 9-December 29. 

Brighton isn’t the only city on this list which actually has a couple of spots taken over by wooden huts and fairy lights in December. The main focus over the last couple of years has been the bigger, more immersive market experience you’ll get at the Winter Fayre on the lawns by St Peter’s Church on York Place, but I still reckon there’s something to be said for the now smaller collection of food stands outside Churchill Square Shopping Centre. I’m a Christmas baby, and every year when I inevitably head into town to nab one last stocking filler, I always (and I mean always) grab a nutella and banana crêpe from a stand which is always perched just outside Urban Outfitters. 

When: December 5-22

Frankfurt Market, in the Brummie city centre, is one of the largest German Christmas markets held outside of Germany or Austria. How this came to be we’re not quite sure, but we’re glad it did because it’s pretty damn special. Taking place across Birmingham’s main squares, it’s the best place in Blighty to enjoy an authentic bratwurst, washed down with some gluhwein. Frohe weihnachten!

When: Nov 1-Dec 24

Wander along these cobbled, Victorian streets and you’ll stumble into St Nicholas Fair, York’s quintessential Christmas market. Softly lit huts sell Yorkshire produce, from cheeses and wines to handmade crafts, and there’s even Christmas-themed mini-golf, festive street food and gingerbread stalls. Go on – don’t pretend you’re not excited.

When: Nov 14-Dec 22

The majority of what’s on offer at Cardiff’s Christmas market is made locally by small Welsh businesses, so when browsing the stalls here, expect to come across hand-stitched red dragons, wooden love spoons and cushions with the word ‘cwtch’ (there’s no exact translation, but it basically means a cuddle) on them. But there’s all your textbook Christmas market content in there too, including mulled wine, fairy lights and even a Winter Wonderland, complete with an ice rink, down the road.

When: Nov 14-Dec 23 (closed December 7)

Stratford-upon-Avon makes a magical setting for a Christmas market with a historical twist: the town transforms into a Victorian winter wonderland. Stallholders will dress up with lace bonnets and stick-on sideburns, joined by a traditional fairground and a programme of entertainment.

When: Dec 14-15

Dig out the flower crown and eco-glitter you wore at Glasto – they’ll go down a storm at the Frost Fayre held in the pretty Somerset town. As well as outdoor stalls, a farmers’ market and a grotto, morris dancers, buskers and street performances will add to the jovial atmosphere.

When: Nov 30

Tens of thousands of tourists flock to see Bath’s Christmas market which takes place over two weeks each year. It’s one of Europe’s most magical festive markets, with more than 150 craft and food stalls lining up around picturesque Georgian streets. And if all that shopping tires you out? Pay a visit to the steamy rooftop thermal baths for a soak instead.

When: Nov 28-Dec 15 (closed December 7)

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the high street, then Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is the Christmas market spot for you. In the peaceful grounds of this magnificent country house are twinkling wooden chalets selling unique gifts, hot food and warming booze. Once you’re done perusing, wander along their Illuminated Light Trail – a fairy-light-lover’s heaven.

When: Nov 15-Jan 1

Nottingham, Robin Hood’s famous stomping ground, transforms into a Christmas Winter Wonderland every festive season, featuring a glowing ice rink, a helter-skelter and snowy alpine ski lodges. There’s also a sparkling Christmas market, with around 70 wooden stalls surrounding a huge glittering Christmas tree. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into your very own festive fairytale.

When: Nov 13-Dec 24

On the grounds of Winchester’s medieval cathedral sits more than 100 chalet-style stalls selling all of your festive favourites. Trees are illuminated with colourful lights at the market and there’s even an open-air ice rink in the grand cathedral courtyard if you want to don your skates and do your best Torvill and Dean impression. You can’t get much more jolly than that.

When: Nov 22-Dec 22

The Scottish capital is magical all year round, but a Yuletide visit is a must. Edinburgh’s Christmas markets take place at East Princes Street Gardens and are a spectacular setting to munch a hog roast and sip on hot cider. It’s pretty chilly up here come December, so you might even get a sprinkle of snow to make you feel extra Christmassy.

When: Nov 18-Jan 5